Why shouldn't I use fabric conditioner?

[cakedup]

I just bought a few t-shirts from Next for DS and the label is telling me not to use fabric conditioner. Any ideas why? Anyone out there who doesn't use fabric conditioner and why?

Because it costs money and doesn't actually do anything. Stopped using it years ago.

We don't use it a) because of sensitive skin issues but largely b) because it stinks. It's all I can smell when some people come near.

Sorry I'll clarify - all it does is make the washing smell of something. I am happy having washing which is simply clean so don't pay for the privilege of smell.

I like fabric softener. It makes clothes less crispy. I know it reduces absorbency in towels. Maybe it affects the drape of the garment.

if the fabrics contain elastic fibres, the conditioner makes those brittle don't ask me how

Thank god for that Vardyparty I thought I was going mad!

I assume it must be something to do with the chemicals applied to the material to prolong the life of the t shirt.

It smells horrible, gunks up the drawer, coats the clothes in chemicals and makes them all floppy, I never use it.

I love fabric softener - I can't understand how people think it doesn't make a difference! It definitely makes clothes softer.

I know with jeans and cottons however it does attack the elastene after a while and can make them more stretchy so maybe that's why?

I was using cloth nappies, so no conditioner on them, and then I ran out one day and was skint so I just carried on without it. I don't like the smell now.

I agree with a PP who said it doesn't really do anything, other than make towels softer, but less absorbent. And even that's not a problem if you tumble dry them.

The drawer on the washing machine also gets less manky since I've stopped using it.

It makes clothes go all slimy and stinky and costs a lot.
So no reason to use it, TBH.

I didn't use it for years and my mum would just constantly nag me about it, like I was completely mad for not using it. Tbh I hate the smell of fabric conditioner, as much as I hate the smell of car air freshners. Think I might go back to not using it but have been using it for several years now, I may need to wean myself off gradually.

There's a fabric softener, Attitude, on the market - v v expensive - which claims that most contain known carcinogens. Obviously nothing to do with Next's labelling, but does anyone know more about that?

It's bad for fabrics as it coats them with grease & ruins absorbency. The grease doesn't break down so it builds up on the fabric. Also stinks & is made from animal fat which is gross!

Nooo InsufficientlyCaffeinated that can't be true!! I'm vegan!! I'm off to look that up.

www.sunshinenaturalhealing.com/common-products-you-didnt-know-contain-animal-ingredients/

It clogs the fibres and makes you more likely to get sweaty armpit stains and smells in the armpit area of tops. We've not used it for 3 years and also stopped using liquid detergent, now its just basic non-bio powder. (and a quick slosh of dettol for sports clothes).
There's been no slime in the machine at all since then. Clothes also seem to keep fresher for longer as the fibres can breathe.

Thanks Insufficiently I had no idea and will stop using it now! I think the Ecover one is ok though.

UnlikelyRunner but do you find your clothes are less soft, or stiff even?

Initially when I stopped using it everything seemed a bit crispy, a few washes in though and everything is SOFTER than before!!
And the machine has stopped smelling fusty too!

They will probably fall apart, if you do.

I have stupidly hard water that leaves everything like sandpaper, no matter how well I rinse, so use a half dose of unscented fabric conditioner on everything but towels and handknits.

I've never used it because I don't like the smell. They all smell too strong & chemically to me.